What to see in Poland: a country from a fairy tale

Poland is an all too often under-rated country to visit. From bustling urban centers to quaint medieval towns that look like they are from a Polish fairy tale, you can be quite surprised. So join us as we travel into a storybook and lay out what to do and see in Poland.

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle, in the town of Malbork, is actually the largest castle in the world. Quite an impressive feat and this makes it a place you must see in Poland. The castle’s origins come from the Teutonic Knights and it is the perfect example of a medieval fortress. It sounds quite daunting for a visitor but it doesn’t have to be. Considering that it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the official Polish monuments, it is easy to navigate. Once inside, the castle is divided into three parts, A, B, and C. To enjoy all three, you will really need a full day. As it is one of the largest tourist sites to see in Poland, it is wise to plan your time accordingly. A highlight for many visitors is the picturesque rose garden. The interiors of the castle are also a firm favorite. Simply walking around the grounds and marveling at the largest brick castle in the world is a wonder in and of itself.

Gdansk, a city you must see in Poland

Before or after visiting Malbeck Castle, you will want to spend some time in Gdansk. The Old Town is a true marvel and with some of the most beautiful streets to see in Poland. Occasionally, the streets are filled with markets and you may be lucky enough to visit one. They usually coincide with saint’s days and religious holidays. St. Dominic’s Fair, for example, in July and August is a wonderful attraction. There are thousands of stalls, all filled with traditional Polish crafts and goods made by local artisans. Not to mention some delicious food and drink. If you miss a fair, you can still enjoy the streets, alleys and canals that make up the historical center of Gdansk. It is also recommended to take a walk along the river Motlawa. You can easily hop on a tour boat and sail along the river, taking in the views over the city. If you want to get a bird’s eye of Gdansk, take a trip in Amber Sky. This is an enormous Ferris wheel with views over the surrounding landscape. It is worth it just to see how stunning Gdansk is, not only by walking the streets but by looking down on the city from above.

Torun

Torun is another place that you must see in Poland. It is entirely medieval in appearance and is largely off the main tourist trail. Torun is actually most famous for gingerbread and it has a rather interesting gingerbread museum. They run workshops where you can bake your own gingerbread, which is a big plus. You can also participate in a performance of how the town produces its gingerbread and the tradition of gingerbread making. Of course, you will also have the chance to buy some gingerbread to take home as a souvenir. Another must see in Poland is the leaning tower of Torun. Close to the Vistula river, you can see this tower lean so far over, it could almost fall. This is the subject of many a Polish fairy tale and is very curious. To finish off, visit Baj Pomorski Theatre, which has a facade exactly like an antique wardrobe. A great photo opportunity!

Wroclaw

Also known as Breslavia, Wroclaw is one of the largest cities in Poland. It also has plenty of historical and cultural sights, which any visitor must see in Poland. Market Square is particularly vibrant and extremely large. It is a place where many congregate and pass the time of day. It has the Gothic Old Town Hall, which looks as if it is straight from a fairy tale. If you look carefully, you may even be able to find the oldest restaurant in Europe. Market Square is the place for dining and socializing, although it is slightly more pricey than other areas. Another must-see in Poland is the Ostrow Tumski district. This is the oldest part of the city and has origins in the 10th century. The river surrounds this area, so it is the perfect place to enjoy a walk. However, the buildings are enough to marvel at. The real wonder is the Gothic cathedral. You will be forgiven for thinking that you have just stepped into a storybook town. If religious architecture has piqued your interest, you should also visit the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This is the most important cathedral in the city and is another hark back to medieval times.